The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab recently released a
report alleging that Belarus and Russia have been collaborating in the systematic deportation of Ukrainian children.
The 66-page report, entitled “Belarus’ Collaboration with Russia in the Systematic Deportation of Ukraine’s Children,” claims that children aged 6 to 17 years old have been forcibly removed from cities across eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk and Kherson, and transported to at least 13 different locations in Belarus. More than 85% of the identified children were reportedly housed in a facility in Minsk owned by the Belarusian chemical producer Belaruskali.
According to the analysis, these removals constitute a joint effort coordinated through the Union State entity of
Belarus and Russia. The report implicates high-ranking officials and agencies from both countries, such as
Russia’s Investigative Committee and security services in Belarus. It also raises serious concerns about the involvement of public figures, such as Alyaksei Talai, and organizations, including nationalist motorcycle gangs, in “re-education” programs, which have included military training and exposure to firearms.
The report concludes that further investigation is needed to reveal the full scope of alleged violations and to ascertain the current whereabouts of the relocated children. These claims have emerged amid wider international scrutiny of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In March, the International Criminal Court
issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and others for allegations relating to the forcible deportations of Ukrainians.
The U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Michael Carpenter,
commented on the situation, saying that Belarus has entirely failed to adhere to its OSCE commitments and human rights obligations. International observers have
called for immediate action to resolve the systematic deportation of Ukrainian children and to hold those accountable for their actions. At this time, Belarusian authorities have not responded to these allegations.